Newcastle United have made it back to the Premier League after earning the promotion and doing it remarkably, by winning the EFL Championship title on the final day of the season.
There were a few doubts over manager Rafael Benitez staying at the club, but not the Spanish tactician has confirmed that he will be staying put at the St. James’ Park, planning will be afoot to build a team that can compete strongly in the English top division in the upcoming campaign.
Series of players have been linked with a move to Newcastle in the past few seasons and now that they are back in the Premier League and are set for a new challenge, they have what it takes to attract big names to their side in the summer.
Here we compile a dream playing starting XI for the Magpies, comprising of their transfer targets for the upcoming season:
Karl Darlow (GK)
The 26-year-old has remarkably been superb between the sticks over the course of the season and should maintain his position for Newcastle in the Premier League.
Peter Ankersen (RB)
Highly pacey in the right-back Ankersen has been in great form for FC Copenhagen since he made the loan-switch to Red Bull Salzburg permanent in the summer and has been linked with Newcastle United while Galatasaray and Valencia are believed to be showing interest. Ankersen has the ability to become the first-choice ahead of DeAndre Yedlin and Vurnon Anita.
Ryan Shawcross (CB)
Shawcross has been one of the key targets for Benitez over the summer, the Stoke City defender will come in with plenty of experience and strong abilities in the Premier League and even likely to be their captain ahead of Jamaal Lascelles.
Ciaran Clark (CB)
Having been regards as one of the best signings of the season in the Championship. Ciaran Clark should retain his place at heart of the defence at St. James.
Paul Dummett (LB)
The left-back has been one of the most consistent Newcastle player in the Championship. And while there are a few who feel he doesn’t have the quality to achieve similar success in the top flight, he deserves a chance to prove himself.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
One of the best midfielders in Championship and as earlier been regarded as the best player in the Championship, Shelvey is immovable from the Newcastle midfield.
Fabian Delph (CM)
Delph has found life difficult under Pep Guardiola and is likely going to be ship out of the Etihad this summer. The Manchester City man has the quality to walk straight into Newcastle’s starting XI.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
Ritchie is another brilliant figure from the season past, he is sure to keep his place on the right-flank for Newcastle this coming season.
Tom Cairney (CAM)
The Fulham winger has been severally linked with Newcastle for some time now, but moving to Newcastle would determine how fair his current side excelled in the playoffs. If Fulham earn that final promotion place, it is unlikely that he might join the Magpies. However, Benitez would benefit from someone of his ilk to create chances in the attacking third.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (LW)
Another deal that will determine the club’s fortunes, the Swansea man moving to St. James Park will depend on whether the Swans are able to survive the relegation zone. Interest from other clubs might also hinder his move to Newcastle, but Sigurdsson prowess can turn this Newcastle side into a very strong outfit.
Dwight Gayle (ST)
Gayle may have struggle for Crystal Palace in the top division but would jump at the chance to prove himself at this stage again. And judging by his performance this campaign, I see no reason why Rafa Benitez shouldn’t stand by him to excel in the Premier League.